Count former BofA chief Hugh McColl Jr. among the believers when it comes to solar energy.

Clean energy, and particularly solar power, has captured McColl’s interest as he casts about for new investments for his family. This week, McColl was in Mount Airy attending the startup of a 1-megawatt solar project developed by Cornelius-based O2 Energies. He has no involvement in that project but expects to be part of future solar developments.

“We believe the future of America is in clean energy, clean water and health care,” McColl says. “As a family, we look for investments that we believe in.”

He uses solar power to run his gates and well pumps at his Falfurrias Ranch in West Texas. It makes more sense, he says, than spending upwards of $10,000 to run additional power lines to the ranch.

Solar energy particularly interests him because it involves collecting energy rather than producing it. “The power is there every morning as the sun comes up,” he says.

It’s DC for DNC2012

Those seeking business from the Democratic National Convention next year may want to head to D.C. first.

Later this month, Washington-based lobbyist and event planner LeeAnn Petersen will team up with Charlotte-based JHE Production Group for a vendor expo. The daylong event includes a primer on ethics, logistics and security, among other topics. Event planners, Democratic Party staffers, concert promoters and others will be on hand to network and promote their companies. With 35,000 guests expected, including companies and various delegations looking to entertain the influential, the potential business is sizable for restaurants, caterers and others in the hospitality trade. Learn more at (202) 744-6077.

Let’s dance

Y not? The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has enlisted 12 notable locals as part of Dancing for a Cause, a competition modeled on the Dancing with the Stars TV show. Restaurateur Jim Noble, Queens University President Pamela Davies, WBTV anchor Maureen O’Boyle and Foundation For The Carolinas chief Michael Marsicano are among the VIPs who will be paired with pros from the Metropolitan Ballroom of Charlotte in a dance-off Nov. 12. The event includes cocktails and a silent auction, as well as the dancing, with all proceeds benefiting Y community campaigns. TT has its money on our very own publisher, Kevin Pitts, because, well, we have no other choice. Details: (704) 716-6100.

More burgers on the way

The local development partner behind Bonefish Grill restaurants in the Carolinas plans to bring a new burger concept to Charlotte soon.

Burley Moss and Henry Harris, a Bonefish franchise partner with restaurants in Kentucky and Ohio, have landed the rights to BurgerFi, a Florida-based chain with a menu that includes “natural” burgers, fries, hot dogs, custard, craft beers and wine.

Moss says the duo’s holding company, HMB Hospitality, plans to open its first BurgerFi in Cary and hopes to finalize a south Charlotte location early next year. They plan on opening 20 BurgerFis in the Carolinas over the next five years.

Kenny Smith and Will Whitley at New South Properties of the Carolinas are handling the commercial real estate work for BurgerFi.

Twitter me this

Crystal Dempsey, former Charlotte Observer reporter and founder of From The Hip Communications, has picked up a side gig as one of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx’s “ghost tweeters.”

Dempsey stresses it’s volunteer-only, and she is but one of a team of people helping the mayor master social media. “I support the candidate,” Dempsey says of Foxx, who is running for re-election.

Foxx also tweets on his @anthonyfoxx account. His 140-character missives are signed “AF.”

As for his opponent, Republican Scott Stone, his tweets are @scottdstone.

Krafting a campaign to fight hunger

Former Panthers and Chicago Bears receiver Muhsin Muhammad helped deliver 5,000 pounds of food to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina this week.

Muhammad, who lives in Charlotte, joined the effort as part of Kraft Foods’ Huddle to Fight Hunger campaign.

The initiative is in its second year. Kraft Foods is on a mission to help donate the monetary equivalent of 25 million meals to Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization throughout the campaign.